Catholic bishops from Michigan and beyond responded with prayers and support after a gunman killed four and injured eight people attending a church service at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse on September 28.
This attack on a church comes almost exactly one month after the August 27 school shooting at morning Mass at Holy Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Sunday morning attack began when a man, identified by authorities as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, drove his truck into the church building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.
Sanford began shooting attendees and set the building on fire. He was killed during a shootout with police.
"As bishop of the Diocese of Lansing, I offer my prayers for all those killed in yesterday's fatal attack upon the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Grand Blanc Township, while also assuring those who mourn, and those who are injured, my solace and support," said Bishop Earl A. Boyea of Lansing.
Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, is located within the Diocese of Lansing.
"Any place of worship should be a sanctuary of peace," said Boyea, adding "The violation of such a haven, especially upon a Sunday morning, makes yesterday's act of mass violence even more shocking. I commend the first responders for heroically assisting at the scene and for working to safeguard other local places of worship."
In times of tragedy, said Boyea, "let us all draw closer to Jesus, Prince of Peace," he said. "Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
We ask the Archangels to pray
Archbishop Edward Weisenburger of Detroit echoed Boyea's sentiments, saying he was "heartbroken" by the acts of gun violence and arson.
"In this time of immense sorrow, I ask that we stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints," he said.
Weisenburger continued, "Let us pray for peace and stability in our world and let us commit ourselves to actions that help to create that peace. In an era marked by hostilities and division, let us all come together in faith and compassion, upholding the fundamental right to worship freely and without fear. May God’s infinite love and mercy embrace and heal us all."
Bishop Robert Gruss of the Diocese of Saginaw said his diocese is sending "our heartfelt prayers and support to the families and the entire community of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church in Grand Blanc, Michigan."
Gruss said he was "deeply saddened" by the act of violence and "people of all faiths should have every opportunity to worship without fear of violence."
"Even as we pray for those whose lives were taken today, I also ask that our prayer be matched by firm resolve to find a way to end the violence throughout our country," he said.
Nobody should have to fear going to worship, said Bishop David Walkowiak of Grand Rapids in a statement published by the diocese.
"The ability to pray, to assemble peacefully, and to express one’s faith is not only a constitutional right but a moral necessity for a compassionate society," he said. "My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Latter-day Saints community as they grieve and seek healing in the face of this senseless violence."
On Monday, Archbishop Joe Vasquez of Galveston-Houston issued a statement of "profound sorrow" at the news of the shooting and arson at the church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan.
"We stand in prayerful solidarity with our brothers and sisters of that community, entrusting the victims, their families, and all those affected to the merciful love of Christ," said Vasquez.
He continued, "May the Lord Jesus, our refuge and strength in every trial, surround the grieving with His peace and console all who mourn. We commend to God the souls of those who died, praying that they may rest forever in His embrace. We also remember with gratitude the courage of first responders and all who rushed to aid those in danger."
Vasquez further implored for an "end to senseless violence," noting that Monday, September 29, is the feast of the Holy Archangels.
"We ask St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael to intercede for us and protect all God’s people with their heavenly aid," said Vasquez.
What is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith. Smith claimed to have experienced a vision of an angel who led him to a cache of gold plates buried near Palmyra, New York.
On these plates, Smith claimed to have discovered an additional testament of Jesus Christ detailing his work in the Americas." The messages on these plates were compiled into what is now called the Book of Mormon," says the church's website.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were previously referred to as "Mormons." In 2018, church leaders requested that this term no longer be used.
